Skyline view of Wellington Rd. in downtown London, Ontario Canada.
  • Aerial view of a car driving down a curving road with fall colours in London, Ontario, Canada.

  • Blog

    Fall Road Tripping in the Forest City

  • Back

    • Author Everett Hanmer
    • Date September 12, 2023
    • Categories
      Family Fun, #ExploreLdnOnt, Things To Do
  • The arrival of fall is a perfect opportunity to explore London, Ontario with a road trip!

    Whether you’re planning a trip with family, a romantic couple’s getaway, a thrill-seeking experience or some time to unwind and relax, the Forest City has something for you! 

     

    starting off the morning

    Landscape shot of Westminster Ponds Conservation Area with red, yellow and orange leaves
    Westminster Ponds Conservation Area • London, Ontario


    London has plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the changing fall colours. No matter where you are in the city, a park or hiking trail is always nearby. Start your day off with some leaf peeping at one of Springbank Park's or Sifton Bog's accessible trails. If you're looking for something a little more active, a hiking trail at Fanshawe Conservation AreaKains Woods or Westminster Ponds will get your blood pumping.

     

    Groups of shoppers browsing vendors selling fresh produce in The Market at the Western Fair locate din London, Ontario, Canada
    The Market at the Western Fair • London, Ontario


    Looking to stay inside? Visit a farmers' market to get some fresh fall produce, baked goods, coffee, tea and delicious treats! The Market at the Western Fair DistrictCovent Garden Market and the Trails End Farmer's Market are all great options that also feature local artisan vendors selling lots of unique, one-of-a-kind items. If you're in the mood for a warm seasonal drink or a hot coffee on a crisp fall day, settle in at one of the many nearby cafes and bakeries. Local spots like 10Eighteen, Black Walnut Bakery CafeLocomotive Espresso and Asmara Coffee House are just a few of the many delicious cafes that London has to offer.
     

    Two women sharing a smile at Market Lane by Covent Garden Market with a large outdoor mural behind them
    Market Lane • London, Ontario

    For the art enthusiasts, London is home to numerous outdoor murals that bring a vibrancy to areas such as the Old East Village, downtown London and more! The displays at Budweiser Gardens and Market Lane are especially popular with those who are looking to upgrade their Instagram with some bold colours.

     

    A close up view of a historic decorated table with tea cups and dishes in the dining room of the Eldon House locate din London, Ontario, Canada
    Eldon House • London, Ontario

    Indoor art and history more your thing? London has plenty of great museums and historical sites for you to discover. Museum London, Eldon House, the Jet Aircraft Museum, the Secrets of Radar Museum and the Benz Gallery all make for a rich cultural experience.



    Afternoon adventures

    After spending the morning out and about, it's the perfect time to recharge with lunch at one of London's great local restaurants. The Church Key Bistro-PubDos Tacos, Wich is Wich and CHICKPZ are all great places to grab a quick bite before your next adventure.

    Infant child being held beside group of three pumpkins at clovermead adventure farm
    Clovermead Adventure Farm • Aylmer, Ontario

    London has a number of exciting outings perfect for continuing your autumn afternoon. Boler Mountain is the place to go for some trill seeking fun! Their treetop adventure park will bring you up close and personal with the beautiful fall leaves. They also have mountain biking and fitness trails for those who prefer to seek their thrills a little closer to the ground. Clovermead Adventure Farm is another great option for an afternoon outing, with something for the whole family. They offer wagon and bee train rides, an animal barn, corn maze and a pumpkin cannon! Don't forget to stop into their Honey Shop for a hive of sweet treats.
     

    A colourful small train carrying families and children on a dirt path in an apple orchard located at Apple Land Station
    Apple Land Station • Thorndale, Ontario

    For an apple-themed afternoon, Apple Land Station has bushels of options to keep you busy. Hop on the train and head into the orchard to pick a variety of fresh apples or find the perfect pumpkin in their pumpkin patch. The children's play zone, corn maze and bakery also provide lots of entertainment and seasonal snacks.
     

    Two glasses of cold beer clinking at Anderson Craft Ales in London, Ontario
    Ride the Bine - Anderson Craft Ales • London, Ontario

    Looking to enjoy a drink or two in the afternoon? Sip, sip, hooray! London and the surrounding area have many fantastic breweries, distilleries and wineries to visit. Beer enthusiasts can take a brewery tour or enjoy a fresh pint with a visit to London's many taprooms and breweries like Anderson Craft Ales or London Brewing
     

    A group of people wine tasting in the main showroom of Dark Horse Estate Winery
    Dark Horse Estate Winery • Grand Bend, Ontario

    Can't decide which drink spot to visit? Let Ride the Bine do all of the planning and driving for you! This Ontario company provides local beer, wine, cider and distillery tours with two London tour options to choose from!

    Great glasses can also be found at wineries only a short drive from the city. Spots like Dark Horse Estate Winery are perfect for wine lovers to sip back and relax.



    Ending the evening

    Close up of a fork diving into a freshly grilled shrimp kabob at the Church Key Bistro Pub in London, Ontario
    The Church Key Bistro-Pub • London, Ontario

    After working up an appetite from an afternoon of fun, it's time to visit a local restaurant for dinner. London has lots of casual and family friendly spots like Palasad SocialBowl, Los Lobos and Through Thick & Thin Pizza. Looking to treat yourself to some finer dining? Check out some local favourites like The Church Key Bistro-Pub, Grace, Craft Farmacy and Blackfriars Bistro.

    Still can't decide? Flip through our full list of casual dining spots in London and you'll be sure to find a spot to pleas even the pickiest eater.

    A mother and her son playing glow in the dark indoor mini-golf at Fleetway in London, Ontario, Canada
    Fleetway • London, Ontario

    Staying in town a little later? Keep the fun going after dinner and head to Fleetway for some bowling or glow in the dark mini golf. If you're up for a challenge, check out one of Escapology London's themed escape rooms and look for clues to find your way out. If you would rather something more relaxing, catching a movie at the historic Hyland Cinema is the perfect way to spend the evening and wrap up the day.


    With so many incredible fall activities happening in the Forest City, it's time to get out and #ExploreLdnOnt. Be sure to tag @tourismlondon along the way for a chance to be featured on our website and socials.

  • Stay in the loop with the Tourism London newsletter

    Get your monthly guide to London's latest events, attractions and offers sent to your inbox.

    Subscribe

    Back to listings

You Might Also Like…